It was impressive to watch our boys across the grades display very good execution and skill in our games against Shore, especially after the long break. Overall, we only lost three (matched-up) fixtures throughout the day.
Congratulations to the 15s and Opens age groups who went undefeated, finishing with 6/6 and 12/12 wins. It didn’t all go our own way though, with 10 games finishing within 8 points. Special mention to the brave 16As who grafted out a tough 8-nil victory to register their first GPS win of the season.
With many boys returning from injury, an improved looking 3rd XV were dominant from start to finish against Sydney Boys High. They were physical in the middle and had too much pace on the edge, running in eight tries to one, to keep their premiership hopes alive. Our 2nd XV again showed glimpse of their best and worst rugby in the same game (often in the space of 5 minutes). To their credit, they ended up on the right side of yet another nailbiter, finishing 29-28 winners.
After a successful training week in the Gold Coast and the return from injury of several regular starters, the 1st XV went into this week’s match against Shore, with a quiet confidence. Our pack looked powerful. All eight forwards were dangerous, and multiple big carries saw Justice Taumoepeau crash over to give us an early lead. Our forwards continued to keep Shore on the back foot, which gave our backs room on the edge. Patrick Broe found plenty of space, scoring one and setting up another for Hwi Sharples to score our third try. In typical Shore fashion, they stayed in the match and looked to spoil our momentum. However, unlike 3 or 4 games in the opening rounds, our boys regrouped and finished well, eventually winning 38 – 17 for their second consecutive win. A very special mention to Eamon Doyle and Oscar Jorgensen, who after lengthy stints on sideline, showed why they are two of the top players in the GPS competition. They have both worked incredibly hard throughout their rehab and were among our best, yesterday afternoon.
Photos courtesy of Mr John Flitcroft.
